LYNN — If it seemed like road after road in Lynn was getting a facelift this year, that would be a pretty accurate observation.
The city set a record for the most square yards of repaving.
“Historically, in the last 25 years, the city has averaged about 110,000 square yards of resurfacing per year,” said George Potter, associate commissioner of the Department of Public Works. “This year, when we finish, it will be 180,000 square yards, which is more than a 60-percent increase over normal years.”
From busy roads such as Richardson Road, Cottage Street and Walnut Street, to smaller neighborhood cul-de-sacs and terraces, the city distributed the work evenly on an as-needed basis, according to Potter, to improve the roads’ safety, extend their life and make them more comfortable to drive on.
“We are very pleased to have completed a record amount of street resurfacing this year,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We’re grateful for the collaboration with our state and federal partners that helped make this a reality.”
Potter said three sources of funding contributed to the increased work, with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds providing the most help.
“ARPA funds were huge in that equation,” he said.
Other sources included Chapter 90 funding to improve bridges, roads and infrastructure across the state, as well as reimbursement from National Grid for streets that had construction.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) also completed a paving project on Lynnfield Street, between Great Woods Road and Wyoma Square, as part of a $7.5 million project for roadway reconstruction, a new drainage system, full sidewalk reconstruction and accommodations for bicycles. The project was completed ahead of schedule, with the majority of work done before schools reopened in September and before work on Broadway began in earnest.
“That was a state project, but through this office, we were dealing with getting updates to the property owners and drivers,” said Potter.
